Candida or yeast is a fungus that lives on the body but is normally kept in check by the immune system. When the immune system is compromised, however, candida is allowed to grow on various parts of the skin or mucous membranes, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus or cancer, as well as those taking antibiotics or steroids, are at risk for developing a yeast infection. Infants and the elderly are also at risk. Treatment depends on the location of the infection--in the mouth, vagina, skin folds, nails or bloodstream--and the general health of the patient.
Topical Medications
Topical medications are creams, powders and other agents that the patient applies directly to the skin. Gentian violet is an over-the-counter anti-fungal that is used between the toes and on the insides of the mouth, although the patient must be careful to avoid swallowing it, notes MayoClinic.com. Burow's solution, a mixture of aluminum acetate and water, helps to dry oozing lesions, notes the Merck Manual Online Medical Library. On dry areas of the skin, miconazole powder may be effective. Anti-fungal creams such as imidazole are appropriate for diaper rashes and nail infections.
Oral Anti-Fungals
When topical medications fail or are inappropriate because of the location of the infection, antifungal agents may be given by mouth. Oral candidiasis is treated with fluconazole once a day for two to three weeks, according to the Merck Manual Online Medical Library. Long-term treatment with ketoconazole or itraconazole may be needed for chronic infections.
Vaginal Suppositories
Vaginal yeast infections can be treated with creams, oral medications, vaginal suppositories or a combination of medications, reports MayoClinic.com. Vaginal suppositories, available by prescription and over-the-counter, contain anti-fungals such as butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole and terconazole. Treatment for one to three days is usually effective.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can help to reduce symptoms and prevent recurrences of yeast infections. Adding yogurt to the otherwise healthy patient's diet will not stop the infection but can restore healthy bacteria to the digestive system, according to MayoClinic.com. Good hygiene helps to stop the spread of the infection to other parts of the body or to other people. Frequently washing and drying the affected area, using nursing pads if breastfeeding, cleaning baby bottles with a vinegar solution and changing diapers frequently can stop the growth of the fungus and reduce the risk of reinfection. Wearing less-restrictive clothing and avoiding conditions that foster moisture in the skin folds may also be helpful.
